South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe returns to Forbes top 1,000 richest

Days after falling off Forbes’ list of the world’s top 1,000 richest people, South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe has regained his position. The rebound follows a recovery in the share prices of his mining holdings, alongside a broader lift in global gold prices after a recent sell-off. 

Forbes, which tracks the fortunes of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, estimates Motsepe’s net worth at $4.3 billion, up from $4 billion on February 6, when he temporarily dropped off the ranking. This follows a $400 million decline in his wealth between January 29 and February 6, when his fortune fell from $4.4 billion to $4 billion.

ARM, Harmony Gold shares rise

The latest $300 million surge is linked to Motsepe’s mining investments. His 45.9 percent stake in African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) and an indirect 11.8 percent interest in Harmony Gold, South Africa’s largest gold producer, have both risen in value. ARM shares gained more than 10 percent, while Harmony Gold climbed 3 percent on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Gold prices stabilized near $5,170 an ounce as investors weighed rising U.S. trade protectionism and Middle East tensions against a firm dollar. Bullion gained support after the White House invoked Section 122 to impose a 10 percent global tariff following a February 20 Supreme Court ruling that struck down earlier emergency duties.

This policy shift reignited concerns over inflation and drove demand for safe-haven assets, though the boost was moderated by January’s 3 percent PCE inflation and no immediate Fed rate cuts. Central bank purchases, averaging 60 tonnes per month, also helped anchor the market.

Motsepe expands ARC into fintech, tech

Beyond mining, Motsepe has diversified through African Rainbow Capital (ARC), which invests in fintech, renewable energy, and technology. His 40 percent stake in Tyme Group, a Singapore-based digital banking company with operations in Africa and Southeast Asia, is valued at about $600 million following a $250 million Series D round that raised the company’s valuation to $1.5 billion. ARC also holds shares in Lesaka Technologies, listed on NASDAQ.

In South Africa, Tyme Group recently rebranded its local unit to GoTyme Bank, mirroring operations in the Philippines and Vietnam. The new GoTyme Bank app, launched January 22, is rolling out in stages to ensure a smooth transition for its 20 million global customers. Motsepe’s investments reflect a growing strategy to balance traditional mining wealth with technology-driven ventures across Africa and beyond.